Delhi sex workers demand protection from goons

New Delhi: The sex workers of the national
capital`s largest red light area GB Road will come on the
streets in the New Year to press for solution to their
security concerns and other welfare measures.

Raising the issue of exploitation by "goons" operating in
the area will be on top of their agenda other than
legalisation of the trade and better health services during
the demonstration they are planning in January.
The workers who live in inhuman and unhygienic conditions
in the dark and narrow lanes here are concerned about
increasing drug trade and looting of their clients by the
criminal elements operating in the area, an argument rejected
by Delhi Police.

"There are problems of drug trafficking, extortion and
looting of our clients. Criminals from neighbouring state and
from some areas in Delhi gather here every night and create
problems for our customers," said Shameem, a brothel owner.
However, police deny receiving any complaints from sex
workers. "We have stationed a picket in the red light area.
There is frequent movement of PCR vans and our personnel. We
have not received any complaints yet," said Deputy
Commissioner of Police (Central) Jaspal Singh.

There are about 116 brothels on the Garstin Bastion (GB)
Road in which about 5,000 women from across the country work.

A sex worker Kanta said "Police also threaten us since
prostitution is not legalised in our country."